Major League Soccer (MLS) is the premier professional soccer league in the United States and Canada, established in 1996 following the U.S.'s successful bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Its creation aimed to capitalize on the growing popularity of soccer in North America by providing a top-tier competitive platform[2][4][5]. MLS began with ten teams and has expanded significantly, now comprising 29 clubs (26 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada) with a 30th team, based in San Diego, set to join in 2025[1]. The league is structured into Eastern and Western conferences, with each team playing 34 regular-season games. Teams earn three points for a win and one point for a draw, similar to international standards[1]. A unique feature of MLS is its *single-entity structure*, where the league centrally owns all teams and player contracts. Investors purchase the rights to operate teams but must adhere to league-wide salary and player acquisition rules, such as the Designated Player Rule, which allows teams to sign high-profile international stars outside the salary cap[3]. This structure has helped ensure financial stability and competitive balance. MLS has been instrumental in raising soccer’s profile in North America by attracting international stars like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Hristo Stoichkov, which boosted the league's credibility and fan interest[2][4]. The league also hosts an annual All-Star Game featuring its best players competing against international clubs, providing global exposure[1]. Key achievements include the successful expansion of teams, the establishment of soccer-specific stadiums, and the development of youth academies that promote local talent. MLS continues to grow as a business and sports entity, reflecting the increasing enthusiasm for soccer in the U.S. and Canada, making it a significant player in the global sports and technology landscape today[4][6].